The Bass Geek

Radio Radio hosts some big shows this weekend - Unknown Hinson finally bridges the gap between rockabilly and vampirism tonight, and the venue hosts a tribute to Mpozi Tolbert on July 4th. That bill includes the IRB, Twilight Sentinels, and a host of other acts and DJs. Bigger Than Elvis takes the stage Saturday night. All come highly recommended.

Sam’s Saloon waits until Tuesday to host a musical act, but I’ll throw them in for the sake of completeness. Up!Scumbag, Wait ‘Til Wednesday and Boats play on the 8th.

Deano’s Vino is holding a wild extravaganza on the 4th, with nonspecific grilling and music to be had. Enjoy.

Also, the new IMN podcast is up. Download it here or listen on the site.

Happy 4th of July, and don’t blow yourself up.

Subscribing to some NPR podcasts helps me in a few ways:

• Time-shifting “This American Life” to a more reasonable hour, i.e. any time but that weird Saturday night time slot it currently occupies on my local station
• Getting some programs said local station doesn’t carry
• Acting as a safety net for things I miss during my drive time (short as it is, this can add up)

Which is why I was delighted that the podcasts caught Victor Wooten on NPR giving an impromptu bass lesson to the nation on the subject of double-thumbing and the open-hammer pluck. It was cool not only because of the subject matter, but hearing the announcer speak these terms almost gave them an air of the martial arts movie - like they were moves Shaolin monks sought to master before defeating the usurpers of their style. He also talked a bit about the book he recently published, which I have on order but have not yet read.

Which somewhat countered the slam on bassists from last Sunday’s “Metalocalypse.” Following a grim attempt to pick up two women, Murderface ran into a torrent of insults such as “Shouldn’t you be loading the band’s gear?” and “Why don’t you act like a bass player and stand over there and be inaudible?” My wife gave me such a look of pity after that last one.

Rob G. sits in once again, and it rocks.  Download it directly or listen at the site.

The Warner Gear does some more recording tonight - well, the other folks have been recording for a bit, but I’m just now getting back into the Coop now that I’m not playing three shows a week (for a few weeks) and trying to write two books at the same time.  Therefore, I have no idea where the project stands or what I have to do.  I’m planning on just playing bass wherever they tell me to, and I’m planning on using the P-Bass for the majority of it.

The new IMN podcast is available right now - seriously, download it now or listen to it on the site.

Also, I’ll be providing musical entertainment for the FountainSplash! networking event this very evening at Santorini’s in beautiful Fountain Square. I don’t think the bellydancers will be there, but I’m going to try and be ready for them just in case.

There are a couple of acts worth noting for the upcoming Indy Jazz Fest, and they are notable simply because I don’t think they’d be here if not for the festival.  Friday’s feature is Bettye Lavette, an underrated soul star whose career is back on the rise.  Remember me gushing about Sharon Jones?  Same deal here.  You could even make a case for as much indie cred (if such a thing is necessary) as Ms. Jones, as Lavette recently recorded an album with the Drive-By Truckers.  Definitely make it out for this one.

Saturday’s can’t-miss event is a set from Freddie Hubbard, an Indianapolis native and legit jazz hero that doesn’t book shows around here all that much.  This is a must-see.

Be sure to leave some wandering-around time in your schedule, too.  I would have missed amazing performances from Cassandra Wilson and Hiromi’s Sonicbloom at previous festivals if I’d stuck to a strict schedule.

Rob G. and I talk more about this (and other various and sundry topics) on the new IMN podcast - download here or listen at the site.  Please forgive the Insane Clown Posse content - it wasn’t my fault.